Some farmers allow ratoon crop to develop after harvesting their field. Usually, this is not wise. For example in rice, a ratoon crop will give a very poor production, but it does provide juicy green leaves on which pests can continue to feed and multiply. In this way the ratoon promotes the outbreak of pests … Read more
A predator is an animal that attacks and feeds on other animals (the prey). The prey is killed and usually mostly or entirely eaten. Examples: Spiders are well known predators. They catch insects to feed on them, either by hunting them down or by entrapping them in a web. In a healthy crop, many spiders … Read more
In many cases it is recommended to plow the field before sowing. One advantage is that it has a direct effect on the number of pests that are present in the field. A lot of pupae and larvae that are present in the soil will either be deeply buried, so that they cannot emerge anymore, … Read more
Pheromones are chemicals used for communication between individuals of a given species. Female insects often release a very specific odor (pheromone), which will be detected by males at often long distances. In this way the males will be able to locate the female by flying upwind while following the odor plume. For some insect species, … Read more
Insect-feeding birds can help to reduce pest populations. Especially in inundated rice fields, these birds have no place to sit and rest. By providing perches, the farmer can invite more of these birds into the field. Another way of providing perches is to grow a few Sesbania plants in the rice field. Besides serving as … Read more
Pathogens are parasitic micro-organisms that cause disease in their host. They play a role in biological control of pest insects. Insects that are infested by a disease will become less active and may finally die. Pathogens can be divided in 3 distinct groups: fungi, bacteria and viruses. Fungi Several fungal pathogens (e.g. Verticillium, Entomophthora, Beauveria) … Read more
A parasite is an animal that lives in or on the body of another living animal (the host) at least during a part of its life cycle. It feeds on the tissues of the host. Insect parasites (parasitoids) have a larval stage that develops inside the body of its host. Usually they kill their host … Read more
The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is known for its insecticidal properties. All parts of this tree, but especially the grains, contain active ingredients which can be used as insecticide. The most important active ingredient in Neem products is Azadirachtin. This active ingredient has been registered for use as an insecticide in Thailand. Neem extracts are … Read more
The Neem tree (Azadirachta indica) is known for its insecticidal properties. All parts of this tree, but especially the grains, contain active ingredients which can be used as insecticide. The most important active ingredient in Neem products is Azadirachtin. This active ingredient has been registered for use as an insecticide in Thailand. Neem extracts are … Read more
The term “natural enemies” is used for organisms that kill or injure other animals. For example predators and parasitoids are natural enemies of pest insects. Spider are natural enemies of stem borers. Also pathogens are natural enemies. In IPM, natural enemies are often called “defenders” because they are defending the crop against pests. Natural enemies … Read more
